Mozambique is a country in Southeast Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and South Africa. The capital and largest city is Maputo. The official language is Portuguese. Population 25.2 million.

The recently created Mozambique Dental Association organized its first congress, last November, in Maputo, under the theme “Challenges and Opportunities in Mozambique”.

There are nearly 140 dentists working in public dental service and nearly 50 dentists in private practice.

According to Health Vice-Minister, Nazira Abdul, in Mozambique there are only 238 health facilities with dental service and 389 oral health professionals. However the supply still to fall short to the needs of the country. She recognized the lack of a strategy to fight tooth decay, which is connected to the high burden of oral diseases.

Paula Ahing, president of the Mozambique Dental Association is truly committed for better oral health in her country and with the support of the Government of Mozambique.

By invitation of Damián E. Basrani, president of the Argentina Dental Association (AOA), and Diego Canzani, presidente of the 37th Congress of the AOA (from 28th October to 2th November), I attended the first summit of dental medicine leaders from Portugal, Spain and Latin America.

Orlando Monteiro da Silva

Medical dentist for 30 years in is hometown Porto, Portugal. Is president of the Portuguese Dental Association and past president of the FDI World Dental Federation. Former president of the Council of European Dentists. (more)